1 Corinthians 15.1-4 ✝ Romans 4.4-5

The Gospel of the Kingdom

The gospel for our day is the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20.24). The word “gospel” (εὐαγγέλιον) means “good news”. The ascended, glorified Lord revealed this gospel to the Apostle Paul. The clearest definition of it is from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians,

1 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand,2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (1 Corinthians 15.1-4).

This was Paul’s gospel. Paul repeatedly referred to it as his own (Romans 2.16, 16.25; Galatians 2.2, 7; 2 Timothy 2.8).

John the Baptizer, Jesus, and the Twelve proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom, not the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20.24). The gospel of the grace of God was not preached until the ascended, glorified Lord revealed it to Paul after He commissioned him to be the apostle of the Gentiles (Romans 11.13). What was this gospel or good news that they proclaimed and how was it different from Paul’s gospel?

The table below compares the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of the Grace of God.

Gospel of the Kingdom

Gospel of the Grace of God

Proclaimed by John the Baptizer, Jesus, and the Twelve.

Proclaimed by Paul.

Preached to Jew only.

Preached primarily to Gentiles.

Required repentance, baptism, and faith + works.

Requires faith alone, faith + 0.

Content of message was Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God.

Content of message is the death and resurrection of Christ.

Began with John the Baptizer and stopped during the Acts period (Acts 15.11). Resumes after the Rapture.

Began after Jesus commissioned Paul as the apostle of the Gentiles.

Ended in Jewish unbelief. Will resume after the Body of Christ is completed. Ends in Jewish belief and fulfills the “great commission” and prophecy.

Ends with the completion of the Body of Christ composed of Jews and Gentiles (Rapture).

Gospel during Jesus’ earthly ministry and into Acts. Future “great commission” gospel once the Body of Christ is complete.

Our present gospel–until Body of Christ is completed.

The Proclamation of the Gospel of the Kingdom

John the Baptizer acted as the forerunner, the herald, of the Messiah. His ministry and message was to proclaim the good news of the kingdom. Matthew recorded,

1 Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”3 For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, “The voice of onecrying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight!’” 4 Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.5 Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan;6 and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. (Matthew 3.2-6).

After John had been arrested, Jesus himself took up the message of the coming kingdom. Matthew recorded,

12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody, He withdrew into Galilee;13 and leaving Nazareth, He came and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali.14 This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: 15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of theGentiles—16 “The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light, And those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, Upon them a Light dawned.” 17 From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 4.12-17).

Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness (Matthew 9:35).

Mark, succinctly recorded John’s message and ministry:

4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.5 And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins (Mark 1.4-5).

Until the arrival of John the Baptist, Jewish salvation had been based upon the Mosaic Law and faith in the Levitical sacrifices. Since the time of Moses, the prophets had proclaimed a kingdom in which Israel would be the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28.13) among the nations and that God would set them above the nations of the earth (Deuteronomy 28.1). Hundreds of passages in the Scriptures prophesy this kingdom. The essential features of it were that Israel would be supreme among the nations of the earth, the Messiah would rule from Jerusalem as David’s greater Son over the entire earth (Zechariah 14.9), the earth would be restored to Edenic splendor (Jesus referred to this a the “regeneration” (Matthew 19.28), lifespans would be extended vastly, the animal kingdom would be at peace (Isaiah 11.6-8), the earth would be without war (Isaiah 2.4), and this kingdom would be one of unparalleled greatness (Isaiah 2.2). When John appeared, the gospel of the kingdom was added to the Law and the Prophets. The promised King had arrived. Therefore, Jesus proclaimed,

The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since that time the gospel of the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it (Luke 16:16)

The Provisions of the Gospel of the Kingdom

The gospel of the kingdom required the hearer to repent, be baptized, and believe that Jesus was the foretold Messiah.

14 Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee,preaching the gospel of God,15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1.14-15).

5 Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan;6 and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. (Matthew 3.5-6).

1 It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples.2 He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into John’s baptism.”4 Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying. (Acts 19.1-6).

After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the gospel of the kingdom continued to be preached by Peter and the other apostles in which repentance, baptism, and faith were required. Thus, Peter declared in his sermon on Pentecost:

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?”38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2.36-38).

The same operational rules were active in Philip’s ministry in which he witnessed to the Ethiopian eunuch:

34 The eunuch answered Philip and said, “Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?”35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch *said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”37 [And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”]38 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him (Acts 8.34-38).

The Content of the Gospel of the Kingdom

What did the hearers of John and Jesus need to believe? Several scriptures provide the answer.

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”15 He *said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven (Matthew 16.13-17).

Martha expressed this same faith to Jesus upon the death of Lazarus, her brother:

23 Jesus *said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”24 Martha *said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”27 She *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God,even He who comes into the world” (John 11.23-27).

What these verses reveal is that the content of faith was the belief that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the King of Israel (hence the kingdom message). That is to say, they believed in the identity of Jesus–that He was the Messiah, the Son of God.

When Phillip encountered the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, the eunuch was leaving Jerusalem on his way back to Ethiopia. As he traveled, he was reading Isaiah 53. Phillip saw him reading and the Holy Spirit prompted him to approach his chariot. The Ethiopian asked Phillip regarding the passage he was reading if the prophet spoke of himself or another. According to Luke:

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch *said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”37 [And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”]138 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him (Acts 8.35-38).

After Saul was converted on the road to Damascus he went to the house of Judas where he stayed until he recovered from blindness and the shock of his ordeal. Luke recorded:

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized;19 and he took food and was strengthened. Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus,20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God” (Acts 9.18-20).

Paul was saved under the kingdom gospel. As a result, he preached this gospel–that Jesus was the Son of God (Acts 9.20). Not until later did Paul receive a new gospel (foreign to the Twelve) from the ascended Lord. Paul’s gospel focused on Christ’s work–that Christ died for our sins and arose from the dead–not upon His identity (1 Corinthians 15.1-4). This is why Paul called this gospel, “my gospel” (Romans 2.16, 16.25; 2 Timothy 2.8).

The Fulfillment of the Gospel of the Kingdom

We have numerous statements from the Scriptures–from the lips of John the Baptizer and Jesus that the kingdom of God was near (Matthew 3.2; Matthew 4.17; Mark 1.15).

28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house (Matthew 12.28-29).

In the above passage, Jesus made it clear the kingdom was present because he was casting out demons by the Holy Spirit. Did he mean that the kingdom was present in some sort of spiritual manifestation? Such a view would contradict hundreds of Biblical passages. But God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14.33). Therefore, Jesus meant something different.

In order to understand Jesus’ words, we have to understand Jewish thinking about the kingdom. For hundreds of years, God had revealed to the Jewish prophets about a coming kingdom. It was earthly–not heavenly or “spiritual.”2 In that kingdom, the Messiah would reign as king over national Israel as well as over the entire world (Luke 1.32 cf. 1.67-79; Zechariah 14.9). Most essentially, the kingdom was where the King was.

In the following passage Luke made the same point. However, this passage has been so misunderstood and abused by theologians and preachers that its normal sense has become almost unintelligible. The result is massive confusion.

20 Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed;21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17.20-21).

The question by the Pharisees was straightforward. They wanted to know when the prophesied kingdom was coming. How did Jesus’ respond? The translation above can be improved. The Greek text reads as follows:

Οὐκ ἔρχεται ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ μετὰ παρατηρήσεως

A better translation is, “the kingdom of God is not coming with close watching.” Did Jesus mean this kingdom could not be seen–that it was invisible? Hardly. Jesus was being purposefully cryptic. These Pharisees did not want the truth. Their interest was to find something they could use to condemn Jesus. He knew it and this explains His response. Why did Jesus begin to teach in parables? He changed from straightforward instruction to parables for one primary reason: to hide the spiritual lesson from those who wished to remain spiritually blind (Matthew 13.10-17). Jesus’s answer to these Pharisees was that one did not need to strain one’s eyes to see the kingdom. It did not require “attentive watching,” “close observation,” or “intense scrutiny.” The next passage supports this meaning. It reads,

What did Jesus mean by the phrase ἐντὸς ὑμῶν? Translations that read, “within you” and interpret the phrase as “within one’s heart” miss the point as well as the purpose of Jesus’ ministry and claims. The phrase “within you” does not mean “within your heart” but “within your midst” or “among you.” The central point of the kingdom is it is where the King is. The kingdom of God was certainly not in the heart of these Pharisees. They hated Him and wished to discredit and destroy Him. Most miss Luke’s sarcasm in this passage. Luke was pointing out that the kingdom was in their midst–in the person of the King. No eye strain was required to see the kingdom–He and it was standing right in front of them!

8 Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you;9 and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’10 But whatever city you enter and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say,11 ‘Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you; yet be sure of this, that the kingdom of God has come near’ (Luke 10.8-11).

The above passage shows once more that the kingdom had come near. But what then? His disciples wondered as much also. Matthew recorded,

As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24.3)

In Matthew 24, Jesus gave his great dissertation about end times to His disciples’ questions. In His reply, Jesus made this statement about the gospel of the kingdom:

This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come (Matthew 24.14).

The central message of the gospel of the kingdom was that God was about to establish His kingdom earth. In this kingdom, the Messiah would reign as David’s greater Son. Israel’s covenants–Abrahamic, Land, Sabbatic, Davidic, and New–would be fulfilled. The verses preceding Jesus’ statement about the gospel of the kingdom indicated great turmoil–deceit, false messiahs, wars, persecution, betrayal, and lawlessness. Jesus declared that the one who endured until the end will be saved. This salvation was not only spiritual salvation (salvation from sin) but physical salvation. If one survived this terrible time he would live (be saved) and go into the kingdom.

The gospel of the kingdom is synonymous with what has become known as “the great commission.”3 In Matthew 28.18-20, gave his disciples the below charge. Matthew recorded:

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Jesus told his disciples that he would be with them even to the end of the age. Obviously, the “end of the age” has not come. Therefore, Jesus was speaking of Jews who would trust in Him. A future generation of Jews will believe in Jesus as the Messiah (in His identity) and will fulfill the “great commission” by proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom to the entire world. After this occurs the end will come.

The Church’s (the body of Christ) “great commission” is the “gospel of the grace of God” not the “gospel of the kingdom.” We will not complete the “great commission” because we can not. The Church is under different orders. God saved and commissioned Paul to be the “apostle to the Gentiles” (Romans 11.13; Galatians 2.8; 1 Timothy 2.7) and gave him the “gospel of the grace of God” (1 Corinthians 15.1-4). The Church’s “great commission” is not the gospel of the kingdom or Matthew 28.18-20. The Church’s “great commission” is 2 Corinthians 5.17-21.

Conclusion

The “gospel of the kingdom” was proclaimed by John the Baptizer, Jesus, and the Twelve. It was the “good news” of the coming kingdom and required repentance, baptism, and faith that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah. It was proclaimed by Jews to Jews only (with a couple of exception such as the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15.21-28) and the Roman centurion (Matthew 8.5-13). This gospel failed due to Jewish unbelief. But God will reinstate it after He completes the Church, the body of Christ (at the Rapture). A future generation of Jews (John 10.16) will embrace and believe it and fulfill Romans 11.26. In the meantime, our gospel is the “gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20.24; 1 Corinthians 15.1-4).

1 Most early manuscripts do not contain the verse in brackets (v. 37). While the verse may be an addition, it lines up with the other Scriptures examined in the gospels and what Paul preached following his salvation.2 The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is unique to Matthew and used in the following verses: Matthew 3.2, 4.17, 5.3, 10, 19-20, 6.10, 7.21, 8.11, 10.7, 11.11-12, 13.11, 24. The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is a genitive of source which means that the source of the kingdom was from heaven. It is not a locative genitive (i.e., the kingdom is not located in heaven) or a descriptive genitive (“heavenly” as in a state of mind).3 See The Great Commission.

The mysteries given to Paul are a different revelation from that given to Peter and the other Apostles, and only Paul’s writings are directly for the church today? The other epistles, such as Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, and the epistles of John are not for us today in a direct sense? Yet, Paul himself said that the church is built upon the “apostleS” plural and not merely upon himself (Eph. 2:20) and the mysteries were “revealed unto his holy apostleS and prophetS” (Eph. 3:5) and not to him alone. Peter also referred to the writings of Paul and made no distinction between Paul’s teaching and the teaching of the other apostles (2 Pet. 3:1-2, 15-16). Peter said Paul wrote to the same people and preached the same message. Though we know that Paul was the special apostle of the Gentiles and he was given unique revelations about the church as the body of Christ, his revelations in no way contradict the revelations given in the General Epistles (Hebrews – Jude).

Don, In Ephesians 3.5, Paul referred either to apostles who ministered with him or the Twelve. If the latter, they learned of the Church, the body of Christ, from Paul. They knew nothing of Gentile equality in Christ until Paul revealed it. They never wrote of the body of Christ and knew nothing of Paul’s other “secrets.” If they had preached the same gospel then there would have been no controversy in Acts 15. Peter’s wrote only to Jews (1 Peter 1.1; Galatians 2.7-9) and admitted he found the things Paul taught difficult (2 Peter 3.14-16). Nevertheless, he directed his Jewish audience to Paul, not John, James, or Jude. One must be able to distinguish what the Scriptures say, what they do not say, and not read Pauline doctrine into the Gospels or the teachings of the Twelve.

Thanks so much for this study, very enlightening and applicable. I clearly see what you explained to Don. This passage immediately comes to mind: 1Pe 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace (wow!) that should come unto you: 1Pe 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 1Pe 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that NOT UNTO THEMSELVES, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. This passage is an eye opener! First, it confirms that Peter understood the “mystery” of grace (Eph 3:2-6), which he only could have received from Paul, according to Scripture. Second, the prophets prophesied of the grace that would be revealed in the future, searching, studying, trying to understand this thing that was given to them only to give to someone else, yet remaining a mystery to them. Also, there is something else I just saw for the first time. Verse 11 says “The Spirit of Christ in them” and verse 12 says “The Holy Ghost sent down from heaven,” the two different “dispensations” (sorry, I just can’t find the word I’m looking for). Not in any way saying it was two different Spirits, but rather two ways it was provided/dispensed/experienced. I truly hope you can understand what I’m trying to say.

Derek, Peter went to Cornelius’ house because of the vision. This was several years after Pentecost. And it was after Paul was saved. Furthermore, we have no record Peter (or any of the Twelve) ever had a ministry to Gentiles, even after the vision.

If indeed the first epistle of Peter was written for the Jews, how come that Peter said this regarding his audience, “9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 New International Version (NIV) Were the Jews not God’s people once? Did they previously not receive God’s mercy? Did they once live in darkness?

Justo, The promise of priesthood was a Jewish promise. God made no such promise for members of the Church, the body of Christ. The Church has NO priests (except the Lord Himself) and “priest” is a term absent in Christianity. Peter wrote to Jews who had come to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. Before that, they lived in darkness. According to Exodus 19.4-6, God will make every Jew a priest (not Church member). This is what Peter was telling his readers.

At the outset let me say that I appreciate your emphasis on WHO the writer or character is speaking to. As to your above point that the Acts 15 controversy was happening because they had a different gospel. It appears to me that it happened because, “CERTAIN MEN which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.” “But there rose up CERTAIN OF THE SECT of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. (Acts 15:1‭, ‬5 KJV) To restate, the Acts 15 controversy could have still happened had they had the same gospel (full disclosure, I believe they did) because a group within their church was causing the trouble (not unlike what we see today in churches). Thank you for your time.

Chris, These men operated under the authority of the apostles in Jerusalem. They were not some rogue faction. See my articles, The Great Hinge and Faith vs. Works in James: Resolving the Problem. They may help answer your questions. Grace and peace.

Timothy Keller in his “The Reason For God” Discussion Guide discusses Luke 24:13-32, in which the disciples headed toward Emmaus were chided by Jesus for failing to understand that everything in the Bible is ultimately about Jesus. He (Keller) implies that they were wrong to take the prophecies concerning Jesus and His earthly kingdom literally. I suppose this is another example of reformed theology spiritualizing kingdom promises.

Paul, I don’t know who Timothy Keller is, but the whole notion that the kingdom is not earthly is mind-boggling. Who are these people? I mean, how does one get around, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven?” They just as well ought to come out and say the Lord had no idea what He was talking about.

Sue, Thank you. Yes, the Twelve were to start in Jerusalem and then move out to the rest of Israel and the nations (Luke 24.45-47; Acts 1.8, 8.1). The OT prophetic plan, i.e., the Abrahamic covenant, was that Gentiles would be and could only be blessed by Israel. For this plan to work, however, meant that Israel had to repent and accept her King, the Lord Jesus Christ. If they did not no blessing could come to them (the kingdom) and no blessing to Gentiles. In Acts 8.1 we read that the Twelve refused to leave Jerusalem even in the face of persecution. Why? Because they understood the plan. They could not move out until the Jews in Jerusalem repented. As we know, they did not and instead of initiating the Day of The Lord, the Lord in His mercy saved Saul who then went to Gentiles. This plan will be reinitiated in the Tribulation and continue into the Millennium (Zechariah 8.21-23).

but didn’t they leave Jerusalem eventually? Peter to Rome and John to Ephesus?..John was in prison off of Asia Minor and took care of Mary….(?) the story goes Peter went to Rome but maybe that’s just rumor to support someone’s theology? Do we really know what happened to John and Peter?

Joe, Thank you. We have no Biblical evidence the Twelve left Israel with the exception of John being on Patmos. Three great prophetic books–Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation were written by Jews outside the borders of Israel.

Peter was immediately in Joppa shortly after the text you cite stating that “they refused to leave Jerusalem.” And Peter received vision and confirmation of Gentile conversion in Acts 10. Paul had nothing to do with this. Peter and the rest of the Twelve understood the gospel of grace as they had time with Christ following the Resurrection and had the indwelling Holy Spirit to clarify His teachings. I’m not sure I understand the relevance of your teaching. (And I feel confident that you know who Tim Keller is.)

Andy, Acts 10 follows Acts 9. Peter did not go to Cornelius’ house until after Paul’s conversion and commission to become the apostle of the Gentiles. Peter did not want to go and would not have gone except under prodding and command from the Lord. He was criticized for going and had to defend his actions to the believers in Jerusalem. Luke’s record of Acts 15 reveals the Twelve did not understand or practice Paul’s gospel of grace. Paul had to explain it to them (ἀνεθέμην, Galatians 2.2). No Biblical record exists to support the view that the Twelve had a ministry to Gentiles. The Twelve were apostles to Israel; Paul was the apostle to Gentiles. His ministry was a new revelation given to him by the risen Lord (Galatians 1.11-12). The Twelve had no comprehension of it. Their ministry and gospel revolved around fulfilling the covenant promises to Israel; they looked for the Lord to establish His kingdom on earth. I must deflate your confidence; I do not know who Tim Keller is.

Wouldn’t the time shared between Paul and the apostles (through various times in Jerusalem) have brought some comprehension and unity of the gospel being preached (by both Paul and the Twelve?) It seems hard to believe that they walked away from each other “agreeing to disagree” on the essential message of the faith (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). I realize that Galatians 2 speaks of the unique audience(s) of Paul (and His ministry partners) compared to the audience of Peter, James, and John, but I believe they were preaching the same good news of Jesus Christ, simply to different audiences. (I believe there exists a distinction between the belief and ministry of the Twelve from the Judaizers.)

Andy, What times are you talking about? When was Paul with the Twelve? What evidence do we have that the Twelve preached that Christ’s death paid for our sins? If they had that knowledge, when did they have it? What evidence supports that they preached the same gospel to different audiences?

Galatians 1/2 and Acts 15 give evidence of Paul’s various trips to Jerusalem. He spent time with the apostles during these visits (though its not mentioned he was with ALL twelve as likely he was not.) The evidence that they taught the same message is that the apostles and Paul alike taught repentance, which you omit in your grid comparing the two gospels above. Acts 17, 20, and 26 would confirm this explicitly. (Implicitly, I believe it clear that the apostles’ message of repentance implied faith in Christ and likewise Paul’s message of the gospel of grace by faith alone implied repentance.) Ultimately, the concerning part of your teaching to me is that the gospel preached by Paul and given to the church today does not imply and/or require repentance of sin. Repentance and faith are bound, both in the message of the apostles and the message of Paul. This is the message of the New Testament Gospel.

Andy, A careful reading of the text reveals Paul did not go to Jerusalem until three years after his salvation and commission. When he did go he only met with Peter and James and stayed just 15 days. He saw none of the other Twelve until 14 years later in Jerusalem. This was in response to the controversy about his gospel. As for repentance, we have it mentioned in Acts 17, 20, 26. But Paul’s letters reveal something different. The reason for the difference is that Luke wrote Acts and his purpose was to reveal why the promised kingdom of God did not come. He showed the fall of Israel. Paul only used repentance for unbelievers once (Romans 2.4). Paul reserved repentance for believers in his letters. Paul’s focus was BELIEVE. The focus of the message of John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Twelve was REPENT. While the two are inseparably bound we must be careful students and teach what the text states. Do a word study on repent and believe in Paul’s writings and this truth will become apparent. Before Paul, Jews had no concept of salvation by faith alone (Abraham was an exception which is why Paul used him as his example). You just won’t find this in your Bible. John the B. didn’t teach it. Jesus didn’t teach it. Peter didn’t teach it. This is why the Jerusalem Council had to be held. The Twelve knew nothing of this truth until Paul revealed it to them. You might find my article, Faith vs. Works in James: Resolving the Problem, helpful in this regard.

Doctrine, Hi, my question is kind of related to this discussion. In Acts 17, Paul is talking at Mars Hill or Areopagus and at the end of his sharing Paul told them in Acts 17:30 “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” Will you help clear this up about what Paul meant when he said that God commands all men everywhere to repent? Later in the comments with Andy you said Paul doesn’t use repentance as the John B., Jesus, and the Twelve. Just a note, this was after the Council in Jerusalem in Acts 15. This distinction will help me with discussions with my family. I don’t want to be side swiped with that happening with Paul and the greeks on Mars Hill.

AJ, Paul’s emphasis on repentance was for believers, not unbelievers. In Paul’s letters, he only used repentance once for unbelievers–Romans 2.4. Paul’s emphasis is faith, not repentance. Repentance is obviously wrapped up in faith but it is not Pauline language. Paul did use it on Mars Hill. The language in Acts and Paul’s letters is different. How do we account for this? The explanation is to understand the purpose of the book. Acts was written to Jews to explain why the kingdom of God did not come and the fall of Israel. Repentance was familiar with them and would have fit in with their thinking. Paul’s emphasis for the unbeliever is faith. Study Paul’s letters for yourself and see how many times and in what context Paul used faith vs. repentance.

Hi doc, This discussion really stretches my understanding. It reminds me of 1 John 4 (ESV) 4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.

So that no one misunderstands, I am not saying anyone here in this discussion that I have read is anti-Christ. So far I am seeing people that are diligently searching for accurate understanding. I believe that I am correct in saying that the fullness of the Gospel is not given to any one person. That is why we search out the mysteries of Christ. And that is why it is said that we see through a glass darkly.

“What evidence do we have that the Twelve preached that Christ’s death paid for our sins? If they had that knowledge, when did they have it?” I believe that is answered here. The Gospel

1 Peter 2:21-25 (NIV) 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Peter 3:18-22 (NIV) 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

Maybe you will say that this does not mention taking on our punishment. In fact you might say it only says that Jesus took on the sin of the Jews killing him to set an example to the Jews. Okay. But in all this discussion I have not seen talked about the Gentiles being grafted onto the vine.

My understanding is that there is a linear view. I also understand that there is also an eternal view. Ephesians 1:3-4 (NASB) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.

Ephesians 2:4-6 (NASB) 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

Maybe this gets away from the discussion. However we are all of the same Kingdom, regardless if Paul teaches it or one of the Twelve teaches. 1 Corinthians 12:13 (NASB) 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

I am not near as learned as some who write here. This submission is done so with fear and trembling. :) Tom

Tom, Major differences exist between Jesus and the Twelve’s ministry to the Jews and Paul’s ministry. Mixing these two distinct programs has created massive confusion in Christendom and has resulted in many perceived contradictions. Please see my article, Jesus vs. Paul.

doctrine, Am stuck for a minute. So we’re the 12 saved under Paul’s gospel? Have been working on this aspect awhile. And then did they preach Paul’s gospel after they knew? And what became of all the churches of jews that converted to Christ under the Kingdom gospel?

Bobbi, The 12 were saved by the gospel of the kingdom. They believed Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. They did not preach Paul’s gospel until after the Council of Jerusalem, in 51 A.D. (Galatians 1.6-9). See my article, the Great Hinge. Jewish belief diminished as time went on and churches became primarily Gentile. Pauline doctrine became compromised and churches became a syncretistic mixture of Jewish/Pauline doctrine (1 Timothy 1.15).

doctrine, thank you for your fast response! So when Peter said in Acts 15:11, that they believed they were saved by the grace of Jesus, that sounds like grace to me. I will go back and read the great hinge again. I will say, there is a lot of Jewish doctrine mixed in with Christianity , as per historians . This has been quite a study. The other thing is although it was a mystery, Jesus said a few things that could be taken as foresight. Like in John 10:16. Trying to see how all of it fits together. Thank you for your kind remarks and for helping.

Bobbi, The 12 were saved by believing in the identify of Christ. They also had to keep the Law and be baptized. Peter is now saying that salvation is only possible by believing Paul’s gospel. That is why Paul wrote such strong words in Galatians 1.6-9. John 10.16 refers to the generation of Jews who will believe in Him in the Tribulation. Sheep always refer to Jews, not Gentiles.

Mr. Doctrine, Great job on showing the distinctions between the gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of the grace of God! It is sad that so many do not know the distinctions, glad there are those that do teach this. Here is a link to an outline of the two major gospels in scripture (gospel of the kingdom and gospel of the grace of God) http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/p/gospel-of-kingdom-requires-signs.html

Could you help me get some clarity on Peter’s ministry in his letters 1 & 2 Peter.

Was he confused when in 1 Peter 2:9 speaking to saved Jews he told them they were ‘ A chosen Race, a holy nation etc. He instructs them they are under Grace which surely means neither Jew nor Gentile and therefore a new creation and a heavenly people. He speaks to them with Old Testament prophecy which implies he believes they are an earthly people. Also in 5:4 he says ‘ and when the Chief Shepherd appears you will receive the unfading crown of Glory.

Could you help me with my confusion that thought he understood the ‘secret ministry of Paul’ by this time in his life, but preaches a mixture to his hearers.

Sue, Compare what Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2.9 with God’s words to Moses in Exodus 19.3-6. Believing Israel was to be a “kingdom of priests,” “a holy nation.” Believing Israel is referred to as “sheep” under a Shepherd. God never described His Church in this way. Would you please provide the Scripture that Peter’s recipients were “under grace?”

Thank you very much for this article. I have been sharing links to this website and especially that picture comparing the two gospels. GOD used you by means of your website to reach out to people. I personally had no idea that these two were different, I am also thankful to one respondent in an article about the gospel of the Kingdom of God, who caught my attention because he commented that there were two gospels and were preached to Jews and Gentiles respectively. Honestly, before I have read this article, my belief was that the Gospel of the Kingdom was the gospel to be preached today. Since our local church is preaching the Kingdom message which was mostly based on the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and a big context error when preaching Matthew 6:33.

Nevertheless, I would like to ask you for the sake of accuracy with the Bible, can we really say that there were only 2 exemptions when the Gospel of the Kingdom of God was preached? Because on the book of Acts, the gospel of the Kingdom of God was preached to an Ethiopian Eunuch, who might be a gentile, God-fearer or a Jew. Furthermore, on Acts 10, Peter preached the Gospel of the Kingdom to Cornelius who was a Gentile.

John, Thank you for you kind words. The vast majority in Christendom do not understand this. I’m glad the article was helpful. The gospel of the kingdom was valid from the time of John the Baptist until the Council of Jerusalem. Paul probably received his gospel from the Lord in Arabia (Acts 9.20 indicates Paul preached the gospel of the kingdom) and will continue until God removes the Church by the Rapture. The gospel of the kingdom will then be reinitiated according to what the Lord said in Matthew 24.14. From Paul to the Council men and women were saved under both gospels. See my article The Great Hinge. After the Council Paul wrote Galatians 1.6-9. He could not have written these words before the Council.

In the 4th to the last sentence of your 8/9 reply to John you stated, “From John to the Council men and women were saved under both gospels.” Didn’t you mean to say that “From PAUL to the Council men and women were saved under both gospels?”

Also, with the exception of the book of James, which was written about 45-48AD, why were the “little Jewish epistles” of Peter, John and Jude ignorant of the church, the Body of Christ that was revealed to them in 51AD? Were they blinded as was Israel?

Thank you for your wonderful insight, and for the many lives that you are touching by Rightly Dividing the Word.

Jack, Thanks–I’ve made the correction. Chronology of the NT is knotty. One day I’ll tackle it. The best answer I can give to your question at this point is that Peter, John, Jude, James wrote to Jews who were saved under the kingdom gospel. Since Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles, they left revelation of the Church to him. In 2 Peter 3.14-16, Peter’s last words were to look to Paul for instruction. Paul’s doctrines were difficult to absorb. God had dealt exclusively with Israel for nearly 2,000 years and they had been under the Law for 1,500 years. Paul came along and said there was no difference in Jew and Gentile–they were one in Christ. Paul declared Israel was “blinded.” Paul declared the Law was over as a rule of life. Paul taught salvation was by faith alone, not faith + works. These were stunning, shocking revelations.

Doctrine, I can’t tell you how happy I was to “stumble” across your ministry! My mom, sister, and I have been holding a grace doctrinal Bible Study in the Boise area going on 17 yrs. We have been teaching right division to a group of ladies for a few years, now. We use various resources, and now, we definitely will be relying upon your excellent ministry to help us introduce right division to more and more ladies! As you can imagine, it is greatly frustrating to have this wonderful knowledge, and to not be able to share it, except with great difficulty and resistance in the churches! Our greatest prayer and hope has been for a brother, or brothers in the Lord, to pick up and run with right division in this area! I would love to contact Jack to find out if there is a RD congregation in this area! How could I go about that? Again, thank you so very much for your ministry! Amy J Eagle, Idaho

Have you ever done a study on Ananias and Sapphira in relation to the Gospel of the Kingdom? Are those under the Gospel of Grace under a different outcome if they sin? I understand that we have been forgiven.

I have found that some Christians fear that they will have the same judgement or similar consequences upon them if they sin.

What was the purpose of this account of Ananias and Sapphira being told. Clearly by the outcome it was extremely serious. What did it mean to the Jew as opposed to those under the Gospel of Grace?

Sue, Ananias and Sapphira were under the kingdom program in which God will rule with a rod of iron (Psalm 2.9; Revelation 2.27). Sin was and will be judged immediately. Our position is that of the man in 1 Corinthians 5.1-5. God will judge believers even to the point of death but we are under grace, not law. Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit and God took them out.

Doc, Really I do not want to be a thorn. John 1:14-17 (NASB) The Word Made Flesh 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John *testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

If “Ananias and Sapphira were under the kingdom program” were they not under grace?

Tom, No, the kingdom program is under Law, not grace. The Mosaic Law was still operating. Jesus operated under the Law. Temple worship was continuing, etc. When we speak of Law and Grace we’re speaking about administrative systems, not instances of God’s favor. See my article, Paul and the Law.

Just stumbled upon this site as I’m doing a study on the Gospel of the Kingdom. Very happy with your outline and helpful teaching. Just a note on the last posting — do you think that Ananias and Sapphira were saved and are in heaven? I know that we cant be the ones to say who is or isn’t saved, but hard to tell your opinion by how your responded.

hi brother, can you please tell me to the best of your ability about the differences of the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven, some have said the kingdom of God now is Paul’s gospel of grace that was instituted at Pentecost when people were baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ?

George, The gospel of the kingdom was identified by “repent for the kingdom of God is near.” During its proclamation, one was saved by believing Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God (see Matthew 16; John 11)–Peter and Martha’s confessions of faith. The gospel of grace began with Paul. Its focus is upon the work of Christ–believing He died for our sins and rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15.1-4) not the identity of Christ. Paul’s gospel was not initiated at Pentecost for Paul was not saved until several years after Pentecost. When Paul was saved he preached the gospel of the kingdom (Acts 9.20). After he returned from Arabia he began to preach the gospel of grace. Nothing is said in Acts 2 about people being baptized into the body of Christ. The body of Christ was unknown until the glorified Lord revealed it to Paul. Paul was the only one who taught it.

dear brother, this you have made clear to me, but what about the kingdom of God as compared to the kingdom of heaven with regards to the parables in Matthew ch 13 and elsewhere in the gospels, are they different and if so was the kingdom of God transferred over to Paul, because in those kingdom of God parables nobody seems to be losing their eternal life?

George, The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is unique to Matthew. The “kingdom of heaven” always refers to the earthly kingdom God promised Israel. The “kingdom of God” can refer to this or to the larger context of God’s rule over everything. The Church, the body of Christ, is part of the kingdom of God. Everything in the Gospels refers to Israel. Consider Romans 15.8. The risen Christ gave Paul the revelation of the Church, the body of Christ. Our destiny is heavenly, not earthly (cf. Philippians 3.20). You might be interested in my new article, Are the Gospels Christian?

Is it possible that the difference between the Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew and the Kingdom of God elsewhere is because Matthew was presented more to Jews who balked at mentioning or even spelling the word G O D?

Yes, God commissioned Paul to preach the good news(gospel) of salvation in Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. God also expanded this understanding to Paul when He gave him the revelation about grace. I have heard several ministers imply that the message of grace(they refer to it separately as the gospel of grace) supersedes Christ’s message and the early teachings of the apostles. John(one of the original 12) outlived Paul by nearly 30 years,and to imply that John did not fully understand grace and preach it(even though Paul received the understanding 1st) is not supported in scripture. Gospel is a term that simply means good news. There were many things that were preached by Jesus, the apostles, and Paul that were good news.All of it was inspired and is important for us today. One idea that is circulating today in many evangelical circles is that the only gospel of importance is the one of grace and is somehow superior to other revelations in scripture.This is something that man has conjured up. The good news(gospel) of the kingdom which Jesus spoke of during His lifetime is just as important. The good news(gospel) of the kingdom points to the event of Christ’s 2nd coming when He returns and sets up his literal kingdom on this earth. Many believers today that have an understanding of grace have never heard(and do not understand) this vital truth.The bible is 2000 pages long and the scriptures declare that all of it is important. To condense 2000 pages that God inspired and desires us to understand down to the single message of grace (important as the message of grace is) and make that one’s only focus of faith, is to limit the revelation God wants us to have about Himself and His plans for mankind. Regards.

Bradford, The gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of grace are two separate programs. It’s not a question of one being superior to another. The gospel of the kingdom was for Israel and focused upon Christ’s identity. It required water baptism and keeping the Law. The gospel of grace (Paul’s gospel) is primarily Gentile and focuses upon the work of Christ. It is faith + 0. This gospel was given to Paul and the 12 knew nothing of it. See my article, The Great Hinge, for more on this. What matters is when John wrote, not how long he lived. He wrote before Paul died for Paul declared he completed the Scriptures (Colossians 1.25).

Doctrine. John wrote his Epistles and the Book of Revelation 25 years after Paul was beheaded. To imply that he didn’t understand fully about not only salvation thru Jesus Christ but also by extension grace is a teaching that is totally unrealistic. Too much focus on just grace(which is undoubtedly very important) to the exclusion of everything else taught by Christ, the Apostles, the OT Prophets,etc. It’s all important! Why make the distinction that grace is somehow superior to all the other teachings in scripture. If you are implying that the apostles were still focused on a works based salvation, you are incorrect. I am sincerely interested in knowing what your line of thinking is here?

Bradford, While a majority maintain John wrote Revelation in the mid-90s, the evidence to support this view is slender. If one believes Paul, John wrote Revelation much earlier (Colossians 1.25). Read Acts 15. We find no hint of salvation by faith alone before Paul. The Twelve were apostles of Israel, not apostles of the Gentiles. They proclaimed the program God had revealed through the prophets. Jesus ministered to Jews, not Gentiles, with the purpose of presenting Himself to them as their King and Messiah (Romans 15.8). The 12 knew nothing of the Church, the body of Christ, of salvation by faith alone, the Rapture, the blinding of Israel, etc. The resurrected, glorified Lord revealed these doctrines to Paul alone. For more on this subject, see my article, Paul’s “Mystery.”

Steve, The whole focus of the Jews was upon the kingdom. Acts was written to explain why it did not come. According to the record of Acts 15 and what Paul wrote in Galatians 1, only the gospel of grace was being preached. The duality of gospels ended at Acts 15 according to Peter’s statement which Paul confirmed in Galatians 1. Whatever Paul taught the Jews regarding the kingdom of God in Acts 28 it was not the “gospel of the kingdom.”

Thanks for your response – you covered off the question in your response to Dr BRANDT – The kingdom of God encompassed the whole realm of God which includes Israel’s earthly kingdom and the Church’s realm in the heavens (see my article, The Kingdom of God). Appreciated.

You conveniently left out the most important verse concerning Paul. Acts 28:30-31 “Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.” Paul preached the kingdom of God just like Jesus. I used to teach the same ol stuff you teach. Then I received a vision of the kingdom of God. Once experienced, you will sell all you have to buy that field for the treasure of the kingdom of God or the “gospel of the kingdom”.

Dr. Brandt, Read the verse carefully. It does not say Paul preached the gospel of the kingdom, but the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God encompassed the whole realm of God which includes Israel’s earthly kingdom and the Church’s realm in the heavens (see my article, The Kingdom of God). The purpose of Acts is to explain to the Jews why the kingdom of God did not come. To say that Paul preached the same thing Jesus did in His earthly ministry is to deny the Scriptures.

It seems to me the vast majority of Christianity has No idea what in God’s name they’re preaching. If God is not a God of confusion (and I believe he is not) why hasn’t 1800+ years of Christianity understood the difference between the kingdom message (Israel) & the Gospel of Grace (Gentiles) and why was it abandoned so long ago?

Now a question of utmost importance is Who is Saved?

And wouldn’t it be helpful to have a Bible in chronological order with the explanation of what’s the OT, Kingdom message and the Gospel of Grace with explanations of there differences?

Doctrine, I’d like to read your ideas on II Corinthians 5:16 (I think) where Paul speaks of a difference between Jesus Christ before and after the cross and how we are to understand him. “….we know him no more.” Have you addressed this in a previous essay?

Joe, What Paul is talking about is Christ’s earthly ministry as opposed to his heavenly ministry. Christ’s earthly ministry was to Israel. His heavenly ministry is to the Church, the body of Christ. It is the latter Christ that concerns us. All our blessings are heavenly.

I get it now….. wish I had sooner, but was raised with a “one gospel only” mindset. This has cleared up lots of confusion. This is also why works are intermingled with faith in todays Christianity; it is quite schizophrenic when one mixes the two gospels. Thank you for your site — very much so.

There is a lot of preaching now days about the kingdom of God. Knowing your identity, who you are in Christ. Your sonship, manifesting your sonship, bringin the kingdom on earth now, which many of these people hold to a mindset that anything else is religious. Therefor their whole teaching etc is to understand that you being on earth is like the USA having and embassy in Iran. We operate according to heavens government, we get our instruction from heaven. Just like the USA embassy operates according to the government in the USA. It also says gives the play/ thought that the only thing that made Jesus special was the anointing he received at his baptism. And according to Isaiah where it says ” for unto us a child is born, and a son is given”. It also implies that as Beleivers before God the Father, there is no difference between us and Jesus because we are sons of aged. What are your thoughts on this. I know in canada it is confusing a lot of believers. It alsmost sound like another gospel Paul was warning the Galatians about. This kind of teaching hold people like Miles Munroe in high esteem the Kingdom message/ mindset.

Orichards, I am not familiar with this group or their teachings. God commissioned Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles and created the Church, the body of Christ through him. If their teachings line up with Paul they are fine. If they do not, they are false.

Vernon, No place of safe-keeping exists on this earth until the Lord returns to rule. The only place of safety is in heaven with the Lord. The Lord’s instruction was to teach the Jews this truth so that when He returned to rule, they could enjoy their treasures.

I have another question from Matthew…(Matt. 21:43 “Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.”) Who is Jesus referring to here in this passage?

Vernon, The nation Jesus referred to was that generation of Jews who will repent and believe He is the Messiah, the Son of God. That generation will survive the Tribulation and that nation will enter the kingdom.

Again another question. What did Paul mean by “Baptisms” in Hebrews 6: 1, 2 “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” ???

Vernon, The basic principle to keep in mind is the purpose of Hebrews: to lead them out of Judaism and the Law to Christ. The word βαπτισμός means washings, which is what the priests did in their service in the tabernacle. The hope of the Jew was Christ, not Judaism.

This also puzzles me…Romans 16:7 “Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” If the “In Christ position” of the believer came into existence with Paul’s revelation, how could Andronicus and Junia be in Christ BEFORE Paul was???

Vernon, I cannot improve on Pastor Joel Finke’s response to this passage. He wrote, “Two things must be remembered in response to this point. First, being “in Christ” is not necessarily the same as being “in the body of Christ.” While it is true that the phrase, “in Christ” is almost exclusive to Paul, Peter does use it as well (1 Peter 3:16), and it is often used in a redemptive sense rather than the dispensational sense of being in the body of Christ. Secondly, Paul is not saying in Romans 12:5 that every believer living at that time was a member of the body of Christ. Back in Romans chapter two, Paul addresses the Jew (Romans 2:17) and speaks at length what it meant for a Jew to be considered righteous: “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God” (Romans 2:28,29). It is true that Paul is referring to the circumcision of the heart, but the individual in question is still a Jew, a distinction which is done away in the body of Christ. Yet, as Paul wrote this, there was still a group of believers who were truly Jews in that they were not only from a Jewish heritage, but they had also received spiritual circumcision of the heart by faith in their Messiah. Andronicus and Junia were a part of this group…. There were doubtless many local churches which included people who became believers before the new dispensation began and those who were saved afterward. If they belonged to separate groups and had different hopes (the rapture for body saints versus the second coming for kingdom saints) there would be constant confusion in teaching and preaching. Actually, Paul recognized this situation and tried to avoid it as much as possible. This is why he wrote, “Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation” (Romans 15:20).”

I just finished reading Joel Finck’s book The Mystery and it is great. He is thorough yet explains things in a simple fashion, just like one of my other favorite authors, Don Samdahl! The Mystery is the best book on Right Division that I have read.

Hi Don, I was reading the parable of the wheat and tares and wondering if you ever studied that, and if so, could you email your study to me? Everything i have come across relates it to the Church which obviously doesn’t fit at a time when Jesus was speaking to His disciples. I was wondering who the tares were. It does say the children of the wicked but in application was wondering who exactly He was referring to. I just have different questions about the parable in general. thanks so much.

Three questions: Why did the people sell their property (Acts 2:45)? Why was Ananias and Sapphira killed (Acts 5:1-10)? Were Paul’s statements that women are not to pray with their head uncovered (1 Cor. 11:3-16); neither are women allowed to teach (men) (1 Tim. 2:11-13). Were these statements relevant to the believers coming out of a pagan culture and on the basis of a culture of temple prostitutes and female goddesses? Some denominations today will not allow women to teach men (Church School and Conferences), and some require women to wear hats or kerchiefs (doilies) in service. Also, many say women should not be pastors.

Bea, This was a foretaste of the kingdom and they were following Jesus’ commands: Matthew 6.19,25,31-34, 10.9; Luke 12.32-34, 18.22. Ananias and Sapphira were killed according to kingdom justice. God killed them not for lying alone, but for dishonestly keeping back part of their goods, which violated the standards of the kingdom. Verse 3 reads, “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart TO LIE TO THE HOLY GHOST, AND TO KEEP BACK PART OF THE PRICE OF THE LAND?” See Revelation 19.15. Head coverings in Paul’s day had social and cultural significance. They do not today. As for teaching, it seems Paul’s main concern was to preserve the divine order. Women are not to usurp man’s authority (1 Corinthians 11.10) and should remain in a more protected place since woman is constitutionally more susceptible to deception than man. Obviously, this is a generalization. I’ve known a lot of gullible men.

Don, I am trying reconcile Paul’s message of faith +0, (which alone pleases the Lord and is all that it needed to be with him for eternity), and the need to have an intimate relationship with him. I interpret intimacy as knowing him. For example: Jesus said to those who thought they were serving him, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers” (Matthew 7:23). And in John 17:3, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” And, John 17:23 “I in them and you in me”, etc.

It seems that an intimate “knowing” relationship is required, expected, and desired by the Lord. So much so that not having this intimacy with the Lord somehow misses the mark.

Ralph, Justification is by faith + 0. Sanctification is also by faith + 0. Romans 6-8 is the description of how to live the Christian life. It is by faith. God has identified us with Christ in His death and in His resurrection. As we exercise faith “reckon,” “yield” God conforms us to the image of Christ (Romans 8.29). Intimacy with Christ is through faith/obedience. I deal with this subject in Identification With Christ.

Dear Don, Very helpful, we’ll documented, and we’ll thought out article. I’m having a hard time in church because most posters and leaders are of “mixture.” I have a minute chance of teaching a deacan in our church the “Gospel of Grace.” Do you have any ideas on the most impactful way to jolt a well meaning Christian out of mixture? I was going to let Holy Spirit lead me, but some helpful verses would encourage me. Thank you, liz

Admire the work and the time you have spent on this site. Rom_2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. I am in total agreement with the two Gospels outlined here and a few other sites. Yet, this verse seems to be a contradiction and I know it can not be. Can you add your incite, Appreciate your incredible research.

Jerry, Thank you. Paul’s point in Romans 1-2 is to demonstrate all are guilty before God–Jew or Gentile–with the Law or without the Law. It was not enough to be a hearer of the Law. One must fulfill the Law. But no one did. Hence, no Jew was righteous on the basis of keeping the Law.

Hi Don, As late as Acts 19: 1-6 Paul was laying hands on disciples and they spoke in tongues. “1 It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. 2 He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into John’s baptism.”4 Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.” Presumably, as they spoke in tongues it was a kind of glosselalia because there is no reference to any foreigners bring present. Why did Paul not preach the gospel of grace to these disciples?

Just to say thanks for the wonderful teachings of the bible you are doing. I have been studying the bible since I was 13 years old, got involved with a church of God that mixes everything and very pharaisical and the emphasis seems to be on getting money (3 tithes and tithe of the tithe) and oppressing ordinary members. And scaring the daylight out of us. They seem to have a god that is never pleased and very harsh. And when one asks a hard bible question, he is booted you out labelling him as trouble maker and causing division. I used to think Paul was subverting Jesus Christ because sometimes they teach opposite each other. Now I finally enjoy and understand reading Paul (I almost followed Thomas Jefferson and read only Jesus Christ’s words and cut off Paul). Now I ask to whom the book is addressed, what time frame and the circumstances surrounding the writing of the book. Thank you very much. May there be more writers like you.

Lorna, Thank you. Religion enslaves. Christianity is freedom. Paul is the apostle of grace. God began the Church through him and it is through Paul’s revelations from the risen Lord that we learn of His work for us. May the Lord continue his work in you in conforming you into the image of Christ (Romans 8.29). Grace and peace.

During our study we came across the following Scripture…1Co 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 1Co 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Now my question is, do we or don’t we follow any of the feasts. I know you don’t advocate celebrating Jewish feasts. However the context seems to suggest that we should. Your comments would be appreciated.

Vernon, Paul comment was illustrative. There were probably Jews among the Corinthian church who were knowledgeable about the Passover. Paul’s point was that the Corinthians needed to fix the immorality in their congregation. Paul was not advocating keeping Jewish feasts. Jewish feasts were part of the Mosaic Law and Paul stated believers were not under Law.

Joe, The context is Jesus was speaking to Jews of His generation. Believers today know the Son through salvation, the Scriptures, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. The extent of knowledge is relative. God the Father knows the Son in a way we cannot and the Son knows the Father the same.

Re: Matthew 24:14 Since Peter and the rest of the apostles died in the 1st century. Does the Bible tell us who will proclaim the gospel of the kingdom for a future generation of Jews, who will believe in Jesus as the Messiah (in His identity) and will fulfill the “great commission” to the entire world?

Jacob, Not specifically. Not to worry, God always provides a way and leaves a witness. It will probably start with 144,000 sealed Jews (Revelation 7). The two witnesses will also. As converts grow, the message will expand. The biggest problem will be martyrdom. This is the reason for the serious warnings by the Lord in Revelation 2-3.

I’m still getting the grasps of what will happen in the prophetically future, so in those days in the future any converts as a result of the “great commission” will be under the reinstated “kingdom” program and their realm will be earthly in a kingdom with the Lord as King? While the church program is in the heavenly realm?

Jacob, It appears from the Scriptures that OT believers will be resurrected at the end of the Tribulation after Christ’s return and will reign with Him. This will include those who have been killed during those 7 years. The Church will already be in resurrection bodies gained at the Rapture. It is not clear what our role will be. Paul wrote we would be joint-heirs of Christ and would rule angels. During the 1,000 years Christ will fulfill all His covenants to Israel. This period is merely a prelude to His eternal rule. The Millennium will be a foretaste of eternity. People will live and die and apparently interact with believers who now have resurrection bodies. It will be a golden age of long life, absence of war, the animal kingdom at peace, etc. This is described in the OT in Isaiah 2 and 11. The next program will the eternity. We cannot imagine what this will be like. It will be a wholly different universe, a different kind of reality. Time will not exist. See my article, The Resurrection.

Jacob, Gentiles will certainly be saved. The gospel of the kingdom will be for all. The challenge, given the warnings and events recorded in Revelation, will be question of who is God. Is it the Beast or Christ. This is why the Lord warned the 7 assemblies in Revelation 2-3 about overcoming. The essential nature of the gospel of the kingdom was believing in the identity of Christ. That will be the key question in the Tribulation.

Cecil, Matthew was the only writer to use the phrase “kingdom of heaven.” Sometimes “kingdom of heaven” is the same as “kingdom of God” and sometimes it isn’t, depending on who was writing and the context. The “kingdom of heaven” always referred to God’s kingdom on earth (Matthew 6.10). The phrase is a genitive of source, that is, it’s source is heaven. The “kingdom of God” can refer to the earthly kingdom or it can refer to the overall realm of God’s rule. See my article, The Kingdom of God.

AL, The principle is that all Scripture is FOR us but not all Scripture is TO us. Unless you understand this you have many contradictions in the Bible. Jesus told his disciples not to go to Gentiles. He said if one sinned he should be treated like a Gentile. Do you think this applies to us today?

A few comments, and then the questions. Note 1 seems to have got eliminated from the Acts 8 text where Phillip and the eunuch were talking, where you bracketed part of the verse… Right after the verses in Acts 8 you begin “After Saul was converted…” Then, “the house of Ananias…” The house where Paul was, was the house of Judas (of Damascus) and Ananias went there to meet Saul (Acts 9:11). On the next page you say, “…the same point as in Luke 10 above.” I can not find Luke 10 in the preceding text. Further down the page you quote Luke 10:8-11, but I can not find it earlier in the article. Can you clarify or correct that?

Okay, now the questions. I have always struggled with: “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John” (Luke 16:16). I do not see that the observance of the Law stopped at that point, in favor of something else. Jesus lived under the Law of Moses and He told his followers to continue that (show yourself to the high priest, obey those in Moses’ seat, etc). In early Acts, the law was still observed even though the veil in the temple had already been torn in half. I am not seeing that the Law was changed in any way in Jesus’ day from the time of Moses and Aaron. I also believe that ceremonial washings were always done by sprinkling. That started in Exodus 29, and if God changed the method or mode to immersion, He would have told us; but He didn’t. For that reason, I personally reject baptism by immersion as not Scriptural. Immersionists read immersion into verses like Romans 6:3-5, verses that are not even talking about the ceremony of baptism. Also, I believe God intended Israel to be a nation of believer-priests. That would have required, at some point, for ceremonial washing for all Israelites. But I do not see where God implemented this change. Can you help by pointing out what might not be obvious to me?

You say that when John appeared, a new set of rules came into play. Does Luke 16:16 open the door to that? I never believed John was starting something new. The Rulers of Israel did not ask John, What are you doing?, they asked, Who gave you this authority? That suggests, not a change, but a continuation of whatever was going on before that time. So what it seems to me that you are saying is that some aspects of the Law changed when John showed up to introduce Jesus, ceremonial washings now being required for salvation. Again, I don’t see it as John was starting something new, but I welcome your thoughts and comments here.

Next is repentance. In Acts 2-3 Peter condemned his listeners and told them to repent (for having crucified Christ). John and Jesus’ earlier message to the folks was to repent (confessing their sins), be baptized, and believe Christ is the Messiah. How is the “repent” part of that different from a person today believing that they are a sinner, as they trusting in the death and resurrection of Christ for forgiveness of their sin and the hope of eternal life?

On toward the end of the article, quoting from Matt 24, where Jesus says those who endure to the end will be saved – you say it is physical. I like that teaching! It makes sense that He is talking about those who come through the Tribulation and are still alive to go into the Kingdom. Do you see that same application for the churches in Revelation 2-3 where the Apostle John uses similar wording? Thanks for considering my rather long e-mail.

Rob, Thanks again for your help in discovering errors. The Law continued. No change there. But what was new was the gospel of the kingdom. Jesus did not say the Law and prophets had ended only that the gospel of the kingdom had been added. See my emended clarification. Regarding repentance, one repents (changes mind) before one believes the gospel (one must recognize his need to seek a solution). Paul’s emphasis was upon faith, not repentance. Only once (Romans 2.4) in his letters did he mention repentance regarding unbelievers. Why? I think it is because his gospel of salvation by faith alone was so new and revolutionary that that is why he kept hammering it home. Repentance had been proclaimed in the gospel of the kingdom. Paul’s gospel was faith alone. The “churches” of Revelation 2-3 are Jewish assemblies. The warning is to endure to the end (overcome) the temptation to worship the Beast and take his mark (see article, Understanding the Book of Revelation.

doctrine, Regarding Robs question, Wasn’t Johns baptism the next progression for the Jews? Which would have signified the change in their program and also answered to the prophesy of the one who was to come to prepare the Lord’s way. Also. doesn’t the word for baptized mean to dip or immerse?

Bobbi, Yes. The essential idea of baptism is identification. In John’s baptism, people identified with repentance and the desire to establish the kingdom. In Paul’s baptism, beleivers are identified in Christ’s death and resurrection and made part of the body of Christ. The Jewish priests “washed” βαπτισμός, Hebrews 9.10 in that they identified with the need to be holy in their ministries.

Sue, I do not think so. Some Jews might think this but very few I believe. God has given the promise that Israel will be the head, not the tail (Deuteronomy 28.1, 13) but their role will be one of blessing, not of lording it over other nations. I think the Antichrist will be Jewish. He will betray them just as Judas did.

I believe you are grievously mistaken in your differentiation between the gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of the grace of God. This is a troubling error to me. It gives license to abandon the gospel that Jesus preached, thereby giving license to abandon the teachings of Christ. Christ was God incarnate. He was and is the great light to us all. And His teachings and His gospel have most certainly never been concluded and made redundant.

Please please reconsider what you have stated about the gospel here publicly. I fear greatly the damage of this doctrine.

Matthew, Jesus ministered to Jews. He had no ministry to Gentiles apart from a few exceptions. The gospel of the kingdom encompassed the great hope of the Jewish people, that God would establish His kingdom on earth and Israel would be supreme among the nations of the earth. Luke 1-2 is a great summary of this hope. Jesus told His disciples to pray for this kingdom (Matthew 6.10). The gospel of grace was unknown before the risen Lord gave it to Paul. We do not find the good news that Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead before Paul. That gospel is what saves today. That is what believing Christ means and how one is saved and receives eternal life. Believe God!

Hello: I would address you by name but I do not know who you are or what ministry or organization you are associated with which disturbs me a little because I do not think someone who is supposedly teaching of the things of God should be hide in anonymity. Having said that, I would agree with Matthew. Scripture does not support what you teach. Jesus did have a ministry to gentiles although it was not His primary ministry (the gospel is to the Jew first and then to the Gentile). But He did have a gentile ministry. It was called His Gallilean ministry. In fact, more is written in scripture of His time in Gallilee of the Gentiles, as it is called, and ministering there than His ministry in Jerusalem. The gospel of grace was not unknown before Paul. It’s all the same message; the same gospel. That is the gospel that saves now and it was the gospel that saved then and it was the gospel that saved in the Old Testament as well.

Ernie, 1. If you would look at the website, it clearly states who I am. 2. To state Jesus had a ministry to Gentiles reveals you have not read the gospels. 3. Jesus grew up in Galilee. He ministered to Jews there. Scripture explicitly states Jesus did not minister to Gentiles apart from a few exceptions. Read Matthew 10.5-6. 3. If you undersood what the gospel of grace is, you would not state it was known before Paul. Paul had to explain it to the Twelve at the Jerusalem Council, 20 years after Pentecost! The problem with people such as yourself is you are quick to accuse and make statements, but can’t back them up. Before casting stones and making false claims, read the Bible. To state the same gospel saved people in the Old Testament as now is lunacy. Do you really think Abraham, or Moses, or David, or Daniel knew Jesus would die on a Roman cross and rise from the dead? If so, prove it!

If Jesus had a ministry to the Gentiles why did God need Paul to reveal to us the Mystery,why not Jesus. Paul said that he had been commissioned to preach “the word of God in its fullness—the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people” (Colossians 1:25–26). If Jesus preached to Gentiles what message did he preach, that is so different to Pauls. These are questions I asked myself after coming out of the Charismatic Church. Questions I urge others to do and research.

The message that Paul preached was not a different message from Jesus. Jesus never changed His message, and neither did Paul change Jesus’s message. (30 Paul stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to visit him. 31 Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 28:30-31.) There are two parts in verse 31. First Paul proclaimed (preached) the Kingdom of God (same message Jesus preached), Then he taught about Jesus Christ. Proclaiming and teaching are two different things. Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God to the public. Then in private, He taught the kingdom of God to His disciples. Paul did the same thing. What Paul had in teaching was more information ie, Jesus’s death burial and resurrection…Jesus did not preach his death, burial, or resurrection publicly, neither did he preach born again….. Where people make the mistake at is taking Paul’s teachings on Christ’s crucifixion, and assuming that he preached a different message. Some christians even uses Paul’s teaching to refute the Kingdom of God teachings of others. Is Paul greater than Jesus? Even the apostle Paul warned that preaching a different gospel brings a curse (Galatians 1:8-9). So, did Paul preach a different gospel, or the gospel he heard directly from Jesus? There are few accounts “almost nil” in the NT about Paul preaching publicly, Even when he preached to the intellectuals in Athens, Acts 17:30-, he mentions the resurrection once, while the gist of his message is about God calling for man to repent. Jesus also called for man to repent, why? For the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Do your own research, start first thing with understanding what a king is and does, because first and foremost, God is a King, Jesus is a King. He calls us kings/priests also. A King has to have a kingdom (king’s domain). I recommend several books. The lost and forgotten Gospel of the Kingdom by Steven. R. Service Amazon kindle special $2.99 right now. Rediscovering the Kingdom of God by Dr. Myles Munroe, Also God’s Big Idea, Dr. Myles Munroe. also on Amazon.

Matt, Acts 15 reveals Peter, the Twelve, and the rest of the believers in Jerusalem understood nothing of Paul’s gospel. They proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom which required faith and works for salvation. Paul proclaimed salvation was by faith alone in the death and resurrection of Christ. Read Acts 2-3. Did Peter tell the Jews to believe Christ died for their sins and rose from the dead for salvation? No. He did not because he did not know this. This was a truth the risen Christ revealed this to Paul alone. Whatever the 12 learned regarding this, they learned from Paul. Paul gave the warning of Galatians 1.6-9 after the Council of Jerusalem had settled the question of the gospel. At the Council, Peter declared they were wrong and Paul was right. The gospel of the kingdom ended on that day. See The Great Hinge. The teaching of Jesus and Paul were vastly different. Jesus’ teaching concerned the earthly kingdom God had promised the Jews. Paul proclaimed doctrines concerning the Church, the body of Christ.

HI, The gospel was preached to Abraham as Paul states in Galatians. Isaiah proclaimed the gospel most clearly in chapters 52 and 53 especially. David wrote Psalm 22. Abraham was a man of faith. It said nothing of repentance. Abraham believed God and it was credited to him for righteousness. Jesus spoke to the two on the road to Emmaus using the writing of the old testament to reveal himself. I think the old testament believers had more revelation than you seem to say. Maybe I have completely misunderstood you. Forgive me if I have. Johns Gospel tells us that grace and truth came through Jesus Christ, the grace being that He would fulfil the law. As regards the kingdom, did paul not say we are now in the Kingdom of His dear son in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins? Just some honest questions that came to mind when reading this page.

Stephen, Read the passage (Galatians 3.8) carefully. What was the gospel preached to Abraham? The verse tells us: In thee shall all nations be blessed. That was the gospel for Abraham. The point Paul was making was that Abraham believed what God told him. Paul’s use of the phrase “kingdom of God” referred to the overall realm of God’s rule, and for members of the Church, His heavenly kingdom of which we are citizens (Philippians 3.20). This is different from the earthly kingdom prophesied which will be on the earth (Matthew 6.10). The Jews never had any idea of dying and going to heaven or living in heaven.

” The Jews never had any idea of dying and going to heaven or living in heaven.”

Say the above to (IMHO) 99% of Christians today and they’ll look at you like you’re crazy. They’ll probably not say anything because they don’t know enough to respond but it goes against most everything they’ve heard in Sunday School and church. I think most equate Paradise before the cross with Heaven in general. My understanding is that Paradise is in Heaven today.

Joe, Sadly, most of Christendom does not read the Scriptures. They read what others have written. For this reason, these basic truths are unknown. One can hardly turn a page in the OT without finding verses related to God’s coming kingdom on earth. The Jews hope was in resurrection and life in that kingdom. I really do not know what people think when they read/pray, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.” Do they comprehend this was the earthly kingdom? Not a single verse supports the idea of Jews dying and going to heaven. We learn about going to heaven from Paul. And nowhere else. Paradise was emptied when Christ rose from the dead. Those saints are now in heaven and they will return to populate the earth in resurrection bodies. The Church’s citizenship is heavenly and we have no information as to whether we will be part of the earthly kingdom or not.

Hi Don and brethren:) I have been learning on the mysteries. I agree with you that we are meant for the heavenly places. In Ephesians. 1:3, 20, 2:6, 3:10 it speaks of “heavenly places”. Also, Ephesians. 3:15 speaks of the whole family in heaven and earth, also Phil. 2:10, 3:20, Col. 1:5, 16, 20. There are several places in these scriptures that speak of “things in heaven” and things in earth. Several contrasting the two which is interesting… we are told to compare spiritual with spiritual, scripture with scripture. Am finding there are key words and phrases in Paul’s epistles that go together. Like the “times past”, “But now”, and “ages to come”. That sort of thing. Also in Rev. 12:7-10 where the devil and his angels are cast out, these are positions of government like in Ephesians. 6:12, the things we are fighting ( in Christ however we have help) against in this life. One day the heavens will be clean (Job 15:15) and repopulated perhaps.

It’s interesting what Paul says in 1 Cor. 2:8. In Keith Blades book, “Satan and his plan of evil”, he lays out this plan of evil from Genesis on up. Have not finished the book yet, but really lays out this plan, and God’s as well. It is hard for me to read much at one time of this kind of thing because Satan is an enemy of our God and thinks and tries to steal God’s glory at every turn. God’s move of Christ Jesus on the cross and rising from the dead, a life giving Spirit, is beautiful for God’s glory! We all praise Him for it!

I know nothing for sure, but just a thought. :) Peace to all brethren.

I have a question regarding Peters epistles; Are they relevant to us christians who are saved by grace, thinking of that these epistles were written far after the council at Jerusalem and when Peter knew about this “saved by grace”-gospel of Paul?

Isaac, Peter wrote to Jews who had believed the gospel of the kingdom. We can make applications from Peter just as we can from other non-Pauline letters but sound interpretation requires understanding to whom a passage was written.

Thank you taking time to answer. And thank you, and also God so much for this website. It has been really a blessing to read your articles. I was just recently reading all the New Testament together, and it was a huge mess and hard to understand the Scripture. But I noted this scripture in Acts 10:44-48, when these gentiles received the Holy Spirit before they had been baptized in water. And therefore, the spirit in me was uneasy about this, wether baptism in wather should be a christian practice or not, so I started to make research on this topic when I stumbeled on this site.

But may I ask you; these gentiles receiveing the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, was this before the time Paul had received this Gospel from our glorious Lord? For me it`s obvious that the grace was in function at that time, even the 12 didn`t teach about it.

Isaac, Only Jews received the Holy Spirit in Acts 2. In Acts 10, Cornelius, a Gentile, and those with him received the Holy Spirit, after Paul was saved. We’re not told how much later. We also do not know exactly when Paul received his gospel. We assume it was shortly after he was saved during the 3 years in Arabia and Damascus. God was able to use Peter’s experience to help Paul many years later at the Jerusalem Council. See my article, The Great Hinge.

Pardon me, I did not mean to refer to Acts 2, but Acts 10. But anyways; does this occurring in Acts 10 with Cornelius and the other gentiles, when the Holy Spirit fell on them, show that the Grace was in motion already before Paul revealed his Gospel of Grace?

Isaac, No. We don’t really know how long after Paul was saved this event occurred or exactly when Paul received his gospel. One would think he received it fairly soon after he was saved. 2. Peter did not understand what had happened. He only understood it had. We have no record he ever went to another Gentile. The whole reason for the event (other than the obvious salvation of Cornelius and those with him) was so Peter would have a basis to support Paul 14 years later.

Ok, so in Acts 11:19-26 we can read about the community in Antioch, which consisted of scattered jews saved under kingdom plan. One of them was Barnabas who traveled a lot with Paulus in gentile areas. This Barnabas was sent to this community by the twelve, which probably means that he was at that current time supporting the kingdom gospel. That community also consisted of gentile believers from Cyprus and Cyrene.

So my questions are: 1. If Barnabas had known of Pauls gospel of Grace at that time, he would probably not been sent from other than God, as Paul writes it, instead of the twelve? Was he presenting the kingdom gospel there? 2. Why would the gentile followers be included in this Antioch community, if the kingdom gospel was presented here, which is probably was, basing on that Paul had not presented his gospel at this period? Are were they saved and included because of the blessings of Israel? 3. Do we know anything about Acts and if its chapters are presented chronologically correctly after period of time?

Isaac, Luke does not provide us with a precise timeline of what happened when. The big picture is that Acts is a transitional book, moving from the gospel of the kingdom to the gospel of grace, from God’s program with Israel to the new program, the Church, the body of Christ. The gospel of the kingdom officially ended at the Council of Jerusalem. Paul presumably came to Antioch after his three years in Arabia and Damascus. During this time God probably revealed to him the gospel of grace and other new revelations. Barnabas went to get Paul because it was recognized that God had commissioned Paul to work with Gentiles. The year Paul spent at Antioch he taught them the new doctrines the resurrected Lord had revealed to him.

JOHN THE BAPTIST, JESUS AND THE APOSTLES PREACHED THE KINGDOM OF GOD. What happened? Israel rejected Jesus committed the unpardonable sin, and crucified him. They were all still living under the Old Covenant, under the law still circumcision, sacrificing animals and so forth, how were the proselytes allowed to enter into Judism ? 1) circumcision 2) water baptism 3) offer a sacrifice, offer two turtle doves. What did this represent? a new birth, what did Jesus parents offer at the temple for Jesus birth? 2 Turtle doves??? so we see that Jesus baptism, we see he got baptized as the pharisees said Jesus was a Samaritan, there fore Jesus got baptized. If one was in Judaism the people would not listen to them, Jesus needed them to listen to them. Cornelius and the Eunuch both were gentiles and needed to get baptized to come int Judaism. Now amazing that Paul got a “secret” message from Jesus himself. Paul did not preach the kingdom of heaven, he preached a new Gospel, the Gospel of grace. The 11, john the Baptist and Jesus did not preach the gospel of grace, they preached the kingdom of God. Now we see that Jesus would have reigned in the earthly kingdom if Israel had not rejected him. Through their rejection, the kingdom was postponed to a later date.

the Gospel of Paul, the grace message was to believe in Jesus the son of God by faith, his death and resurrection. No water baptism, no rituals, but during this transmission period, the apostles stilled preached the kingdom of heaven, and did all the rituals, till 70 AD the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and they could no longer do sacrifices and they were all scattered over the world.

Mario, Water baptism was required for salvation under the gospel of the kingdom (Mark 1.4, 16.16; Acts 2.38). Water baptism has now ended (1 Corinthians 1.17; Ephesians 4.5). Also, the eunuch was a Jew.

George, No, Paul founded the Corinthian church and this was about 52 A.D. That was far after he proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom when he was first saved. Speaking in tongues operated in for a time in both the Jewish assemblies and in the Christian churches. The Corinthian church was the only church in which tongues is mentioned and ceased by the time Paul completed 2 Timothy.

Hi bro Don, what about Cornelius, some gracers say that he believed, did not repent and did not get baptized according to the kingdom commission, so that makes him a member of the body of Christ, even though he and Peter did not know this yet but in acts 15, would like to know what you think, thanks for everything :)

Don how are we to think of those that were saved under the kingdom gospel but weren’t water baptized or repented of sins etc. like the thief on the cross for instance and I think the good samaritan, woman at the well and a few other instances I think. Many thanks.

I am trying to get a book published concerning the Gospel of the Kingdom vs the Gospel of the Grace of God. Much of your material is included. The following is a response from a publisher. The author is well known for over forty years.

Jerry, I am not sure what you mean by the gospel of the kingdom being different from the gospel of grace. There is one gospel which is the gospel Jesus proclaimed. John 1:17 says, “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Jesus’ life was a perfect balance of God’s grace and truth. We are called to be examples of Jesus, exhibiting that same balance of grace and truth in our lives, which means loving God by not compromising with the world and loving others–the two greatest commandments.

I’m sorry that we are not able to recommend a particular publisher that emphasizes what you are seeking. Josh’s books are published by a variety of publishers–Tyndale, Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins, Harvest House, Barbour and others.

Jerry, I recommend self-publishing. I have a book in the works which I am publishing with Blurb. It’s done and I’ve just got to look at the proofs. Penny is reciting tradition. If you were to ask Penny what the gospel is, she probably wouldn’t know and if you were to ask her how people were saved during Jesus’ ministry, she couldn’t say. As you know, Paul’s gospel is 1 Corinthians 15.1-4. We KNOW John the Baptist, Jesus, and Peter on the day of Pentecost and afterwards did not proclaim this gospel. The issue of the ONE gospel was only settled at the Council of Jerusalem. Sadly, Penny doesn’t understand this and is in lockstep with 99% of Christendom. The idea there has only been one gospel is one of the greatest errors. It is complete nonsense to anyone who believes the Bible.

Jerry, here’s the way I approach the question of 2 gospels…..Look at Luke 9:6. The 12 were preaching the gospel. Now, look at Luke 18:33-34. The Disciples knew nothing of the Lord’s approaching death……How could the Disciples be teaching Paul’s gospel of grace– the death, burial and resurrection (I Corinthians 15:1-4) if they didn’t know about the death, burial and resurrection? The 12 were teaching the Gospel of the Kingdom. The 12 were not wrong. They were doing what they had been told to do. Paul is not wrong. But look at the warning Paul gives in the first Chapter of Galatians if we teach a gospel other than his (Paul’s). Galatians 1:8-9. Doctrine, if I’m wrong please correct me.

Good morning Don and all brethren :) Vanessa and I are studying on the gospel during the 70th week, and the 1000 year reign. We know Jesus said the gospel of the kingdom would be preached to the whole world. Matt. 24:14 Question1. In Jesus earthly ministry we know he preached to Israel, and even told his disciples, apostles to go to none other than Israel. Matt. 10:5, …etc. would this be the same as the gospel of the circumcision? Thank you.

Bobbi, The gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of the circumcision are the same. This will be the gospel during the Tribulation but it will go to the entire world, primarily through the agency of the 144,000. It will be the message to combat the message of the Beast who will claim he is the Messiah and God. It will go to all the world since the Beast will make his claim to all the world.

Thank you Don. That’s what I thought. So when Jesus says in Matt. 24:14, “…for a witness unto all nations…” this word witness means testimony. Does this bear the teaching of some that state millions of Gentiles will be saved in this time? I don’t think it does. I could be wrong. I hope I am wrong. The Jews have been scattered since Acts 8:1,4, then we see them in Acts 11:19. Also James writes to the 12 tribes scattered abroad in James 1:1, and Peter as well in 1 Pet. 1:1. The Jews have been scattered “all over the world” for 2 thousand years. I’m wondering if the gospel of kingdom was to Jews only, I don’t see a scripture that states it will be different in the 70th week. Then in Rom. 11:21-26, I’ve been studying these verses as of late. Paul is speaking to Gentiles as a whole. Keeping in mind that their are no distinctions as to race, creed etc in the body of Christ, so he is not addressing the body here. He is I think speaking to the Gentiles which in this dispensation include Jews! All nations are just nations today. Rom. 3:12. I’m thinking these verses speak to a time when our gospel is no longer desired or accepted as truth. I’m wondering if this is when the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. I don’t think he’s speaking of a “number” to reach fulness but that when it is no longer effective. Man I could just cry about this. This is what I’m seeing here. So I do wonder if when the Grace dispensation is over, how many Gentiles will be saved. If folks are saved under the gospel of the kingdom, won’t this require the law and converting? Am unclear as to whether baptism and keeping the law will be mandatory but I think so until they are fully saved under the new covenant. I know Hebrews is bringing Jews toward the new covenant. But they according to Peter they do not see salvation until Christ comes, which I think means they are still under the old. 1 Pet. 1:5,7,9,10,13. So I’m thinking this gospel is still to Jews. Though It will be a testimony to all nations. What do you think of this.

Bobbi, We’re not told how many Gentiles will be saved but I suspect it will be a large number (Revelation 7.14). The reason the gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed is because the gospel of grace is particular to the Church and the Church is no longer on the earth–it has been completed. The essence of the gospel of the kingdom is that Jesus is the Christ. During the Tribulation, the Beast will proclaim he is the Messiah. Those who accept him are doomed and almost all who reject him and believe Jesus is the Christ will be killed.

There is only one gospel and that is the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Him we have grace and truth. Grace being a favour and an enablement given you freely by Jesus based on your acceptance of him as Lord and personal savior and truth being your testimony of abiding in Him as your Lord and Personnal savior. You are saved by God’s grace in his sonJesus Christ which forms the foundation of your faith to your being saved. However you are saved for a purpose for you are created for a purpose of the creator, hence you need to be made perfect to be restored to inherit and to be found in your purpose. Thus the truth of the gospel unveils all these to your understanding and for you to seek for it. The truth unveils the kingdom in you, with you and for you. Paul has to dwell on grace for that is the beginning of the God’s programme to the Gentiles whiles Jesus came first to fulfill the old programme for the Israelites and to usher in the new programme for all both Jews and Gentiles. Thus Jesus began with the kingdom message to the Jews first. Let us not divide Him but ensure that all received the gospel of grace and truth. The Kingdom gospel builds the kingdom in you, with you and for you. Seek for it and you will find it for it is a hidden treasure.

Gospel simply means good news but Jesus did not give us a gospel but his gospel, the Word gospel which all of us including Paul preaches. This gospel is complete in Him. It is dynamic and originated as the mind of God revealed in His will unto the creation of all things. It is received by man as God news, identified as his voice containing his word unto man. Accepted to become a message, tool, equipment, power, and eaten as food of the inward unto his salvation and restoration. Established in the man as the truth and light of creation and his position and authority over all creations on earth. To finally become the life of the man a likeness of the creator and sonship of man and God. Paul preached this gospel but stressed the beginning, the grace that is available to all as a result of the sacrificial lamb he is.The kingdom gospel becomes important at our age and is going to be preached all over the world for the end of this age. It will be a witness unto his return. We must believe in Jesus period. In his nature, personality, life, word, actions, works and message.

John, Since you did not answer my question, I can only assume you do not know the gospel, what one must believe to be saved. See 1 Corinthians 15.1-4. Then ask yourself if Jesus proclaimed this. Did Peter?

It is not what you believe but whom you believe. What you believe leads to religion and doctrine but who you believe leads to Christianity. John 3; 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. Refer John 5; 37-40 John 6 28,29. Believing in him will reveal all the what of the gospel, but believing on what will not reveal the who. I believe I have answered your question as was revealed unto me.

John, God has revealed how to know Him. Faith always has and object and always has content. The Jews in the OT who were true believers believed what God said. The same is true in the Gospels. Believing Jews believed Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. Read the testimonies of Nathaniel, Peter, and Martha. So it is with true believer who are members of the Church, the body of Christ. Saving faith is believing Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15.1-4). This is the gospel. This is what believing God and believing in Christ means. To reject this is to reject Christ.

Believing Who Christ is (God’s son, the [promised Messiah, the King of the Jews) seems to me nearly inseparable from believing in His death and resurrection. Those who believe in His death and resurrection invariably will believe that He was the promised Messiah and King of the Jews as well. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Paul, The point is the risen Christ revealed to Paul that salvation would be based on trusting in Christ’s death for our sins and rising from the dead. This was what Paul called “my gospel.” This gospel was not known before Paul. Salvation before Paul, the gospel of John the Baptist and the Twelve, was to believe Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God. Today, one cannot be saved by believing Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. One must be saved by believing in Christ’s death and resurrection. See my article, The Great Hinge.

Brother Don, Could you please shed some light on the “Last Day”? In John 6:44, Jesus says “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” What is the last day and to whom does it refer, Israel or the Church?

Neal, Jesus was speaking to Jews so Israel is primarily in view. The “last day” will be a time in which OT believers and believers killed in the Tribulation will be resurrected to populate the Kingdom. See my article, The Resurrection, for a specific order of the resurrections.

Mike, The subject of what precisely was required for salvation is not clear. What is clear is that before Paul, faith and works were necessary. Jesus told the young ruler to have eternal life required keeping the Law. The gospels also indicate water baptism and forgiving others in addition to believing Jesus was the Christ was required.

The believing Jews who represented Jerusalem church were telling Paul’s converts they weren’t saved because they did not follow the law. I assume this means this was part of their salvation. I am having a debate with a fellow brother over the fact that there are two separate gospels discussed at the Jerusalem counsel. He says that since no one can follow the law none of the early church would have been saved. What are your thoughts?

Mike, Please see my article, Faith vs. Works in James: Resolving the Problem. How does your friend think men and women were saved in the OT, the gospels? How does he think one is saved today? Usually, when I ask someone who disagrees with me these questions I get silence.